As the owner of Lush Life Travel, a boutique travel agency affiliated with Direct Travel, I’m delighted to bring you access to exclusive offers through Direct Travel’s status as one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners.
Here are some fantastic opportunities from a few of our favorite travel supplier partners:
DESTINATION of the week:
Australia -Reef to Rock: Australia’s Greatest Hits = Travel from coast to coast through the Outback on this 18-day itinerary.
Virtuoso on-site tour connections craft bespoke journeys across Australia. Intrepid Travel can create a custom itinerary to complement the route below; work with your Virtuoso travel advisor to book this experience.
Australia casts a wide spell, from its cosmopolitan-cool coasts to red-earth deserts, Technicolor reefs, and tangled emerald rainforests. For first-time visitors, the urge to take it all in can be irresistible, which makes shaping a well-paced itinerary necessary.
This 18-day tour Down Under stitches together Australia’s iconic stops, starting with a warm welcome from Sydney’s harbor attractions and surf beaches, and finishing at the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
Along the way, weave through Melbourne’s art- and food-filled laneways, retreat to the spiritual heart of the Red Centre, and stop for sips at award-winning vineyards striping the Barossa Valley. It’s a trip that captures Australia’s full spectrum, and one that may inspire another visit – to, say, sail the ancient West Coast or discover under-the-radar destinations. https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/articles/australia-greatest-hits-travel-itinerary
Australia for Virtuosos https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/destinations/south-pacific/australia
SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partners of the week:
Seabourn Private Sale – https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/15430/Exclusive-Private-Sale-with-Seabourn
Exclusive Private Sale with Seabourn
Book during our Private Sale and receive exclusive savings of up to 10% off.
Plus, take advantage of Seabourn’s Sail into Savings event, which offers a two-category Veranda Suite upgrade plus up to US $2,000 per suite Shipboard Credit OR up to 15% Savings.
Book by Aug 31, 2025
RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week:
Viking River – Immerse yourself in the wonders of Europe’s rivers
Stroll through medieval Germany, stopping to see the country’s oldest university and Heidelberg Castle. Explore Nuremberg, once home to many Renaissance artists. Or learn about Bratislava’s history on a guided walking tour of Slovakia’s colorful capital. Wherever you sail, your time on board your vessel will be next level, and your excursions ashore nothing short of magical.
Connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor Sheila to elevate your journey with an exclusive shipboard credit of up to $200 per stateroom on select sailings. Plus, enjoy complimentary shore excursions, educational lectures, and more.
See medieval wonders up close https://e.virtuosoemail.com/see-medieval-wonders-up-close-and-personal?ecid=ACsprvun7DZ3FWbNiVJKVQ0-uniNxmULMZtJJafPgTzORZ99qHUuPK57-YG7LwBiBlvFaaTXG6-r
EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week:
Coral Expeditions –Best of The Kimberley and Tiwi Islands
Broome, Australia to Darwin, Australia
Coral Expeditions
Ship: Coral Discoverer At a Glance https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/sailings/18100327/best-of-the-kimberley-and-tiwi-islands-10sep2026-20sep2026
Tour of the week:
Begin at Longitude 131°, situated in the heart of the Red Centre. Here, the iconic silhouette of Uluru serves as your backdrop as you immerse yourself in the desert’s ancient culture and striking landscapes. Explore the area’s spiritual significance through guided walks, gourmet dining under the stars, and moments of peaceful reflection at this luxurious outback retreat.
Next, journey to the Finniss River Lodge, located amidst the verdant floodplains of the Top End. This intimate lodge offers an exclusive gateway to the region’s rich biodiversity and pastoral heritage. Spend your days exploring vast wetlands, spotting wildlife, and engaging in authentic cattle station life while savoring chef-curated meals that celebrate local flavors
HOTEL of the week:
Melbourne Ritz Carlton – https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-hotels/16784807/the-ritz-carlton-melbourne
Rising 80 stories above the city, The Ritz Carlton, Melbourne is an elevated luxury retreat presenting breathtaking views across Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding ranges. An alchemy of ancient stories and vibrant cultures, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne provides guests with an authentic Australian experienced filtered through a distinctly Melbourne lens.
LUXURY experience of the week: Lindblad Expeditions
35% off for Canadians – select dates and routes
Let the Wild In – Special Savings Exclusively for Canadian Residents
#AskSheila sheila@lushlife.ca